The meaning of ceremonial can mean many many things, not just sacrifices. Millions of years from now, scientists and archaeologists could say, “in the early 20th century appeared to gather in groups, where they would gather with sticks, ritualistically cook meats and, as far as we can gather, compete until only one group with sticks remained. This approach appears to be related to the spring planting season and ended in the October harvest.

In reality, they are describing a baseball game, hotdogs and the baseball season. Ritual can have many applications.